Simple Numeracy Lessons for a Nature School

For Primary School Teachers

Outdoor Classrooms naturally lend themselves to supporting, inspiring and connecting to many elements of mandated curriculum. In this half day workshop, participants will explore the Australian National Curriculum and discover ways to take numeracy and literacy outside and plan for integrated learning opportunities. With a focus on taking current lessons outside as well as seeing the potential of natural spaces to inspire lesson development, this workshop aims to provide concrete examples of planning for Outdoor Classrooms.

At the end of this half day workshop participants will have had an opportunity to:

Nature Play WA contracts the services of Educated by Nature to provide educational consultation and professional learning services. In 2014, Daniel Burton and Trudi Bennett established the social enterprise, Educated by Nature, drawing on their experience teaching in outdoor settings. Their mission is to provide opportunities for families and schools to spend time in nature, developing connections with the environment, each other and themselves. This connection is important for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health and they believe that this connection is what builds resilience.

Trudi Bennett

Trudi grew up finding both solace and adventure in her backyard and local bushland. She studied both Sustainable Development and Education and has worked with a variety of organisations in science communication, community development and the arts. Recently Trudi has been a primary school and kitchen garden teacher at Bold Park Community School in Western Australia. It was here she practiced observing and listening to children to identify their needs and established project-based learning opportunities. While there she also began utilising natural resources and spaces for environmental art and social connection. As a result, Trudi became increasingly passionate about teaching children in the outdoors. She continues to explore and observe how the building of cubby villages provides a way for children to grow independence and a sense of ownership, while working together as a community. Her interests, training and experience have set a firm foundation for her role at Educated by Nature.

Daniel Burton

Daniel is a qualified primary school teacher and passionate nature connection mentor. He considers himself an advocate for connecting children with the natural world, following children’s inbuilt sense of wonder and curiosity as the vehicle to inspire the process of inquiry based learning. Having worked at Bold Park Community School for 10 years he has had experience developing, managing and coordinating outdoor classrooms and Wild Spaces with various age groups. Daniel has had the privilege of participating in conferences focused on nature-based education and 21st century teaching philosophies both locally and internationally. Currently, Daniel is the co-director of Educated by Nature which aims to provide Western Australian children, families and teachers opportunities to learn within nature.

What to Wear

In true outdoor classroom style, the entire day will be spent outside in the natural environment. You will need to come dressed prepared to be outdoors – remember warm clothes (layers work well), hats and sunscreen, comfortable shoes like sneakers and clothes that you don’t mind getting messy. The day will include exploring outdoors places and using natural loose parts to build and imagine your very own outdoor classrooms.

Paid parking available within UWA grounds, and some parking available in the car park directly off Hackett Drive (opposite UWA). Public transport is also an excellent option (please see the location map below for Transperth bus stops). Please note that peak hour traffic and distance of parking from the Nature Play WA building may mean that more time is required to ensure you arrive to the workshop on time.